"Man Through a Roof," also known as, "Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man," (among other titles) is a New Testament story told in Luke 5:17-26. It says,17 One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. 18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”​During this week's lesson, we will read this passage and discuss the story. We will watch a short video, and talk about the video through interactive, thoughtful questions. We will create a fun craft where the children will each cut a leaflet to show how Jesus' love and forgiveness are big enough to include everyone. We will learn about how the friends' persistent helping revealed Jesus' way of healing.

ACOLYTE TRAINING If your child (or children) are in fourth grade or higher, whether you have served previously as an acolyte or not, we invite you to take part in an acolyte training meeting. For one-half hour following the 10:00 AM service on Sunday, Feb. 19, meet in the church with Mrs. Liz Pavelka and Fr. Peter to learn (more) about serving as an acolyte at St. Nick’s. If you’ve not served in the past, please join us. If you have served, come and refresh your knowledge and skills. We need you all!

PERSONAL CARE PANTRYneeds help stocking their shelves for families in need. The items needed for January and February are: Paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, laundry detergent and dish washing liquid. Linens Ministry could use gently used blankets and new pillows. Furniture Ministry needs able bodied volunteers to help with pick-up and delivery. Please see Liz P. or Eileen D. for more info.

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND NURSERY CAREPlease note that until further notice, there will no longer be nursery care available during the 10am service.

ANNUAL MEETING 2017 Thank you to ALL who attended (and brought all that delicious food!) to this year's Annual Meeting and Parish Potluck last Sunday, January 29 at the New Hamburg Yacht Club. It was great to enjoy each other's company as we reviewed 2016 at St. Nick's, had important discussions of parish business, learned about our 2017 budget, Capital Campaign updates, Outreach goals and other important matters relative to parish life. We are looking forward to 2017 with you all, our wonderful parish!

Peace and Blessings,St. Nick's

Sunday Schoolis for kids ages 4-12 and takes place in the undercroft from 10-10:30. Teachers, the current teaching schedule can be foundhere. Please let me (Jennifer Klein) know if you need to make any changes. Thanks for all you do!